Please note: Classes noted "Hybrid" require both in-person class days as well as an online component. Classes noted "In Person only" do not have an online component.

Also note: to date in 2017, there is one Coordinator class scheduled. It offers the second level of specialty FCN coursework for the FCN who desires advanced training in Faith Community Nursing. This is an in-person only course.

What is a Faith Community Nurse (FCN)?

A FCN is a registered nurse with an active license in the state he/she has or has had a practice, who has taken the Foundations for Faith Community Nurse training to promote and practice Health Ministry. Whereas most health disciplines are trained in our aspect of medical care, FCNs are trained to nurture the whole person — body, mind and spirit. FCNs work in partnership with pastors, churches, hospitals, social service agencies, and the community. FCNs focus on prevention, wholeness, and wellness. In many communities of faith, the FCN is the Health Ministry team leader.

What is a Health Minister?

A Health Minister is a person in the congregation (other than a licensed RN) who has taken the Foundations for Faith Community Nurse training. His/her individual skills gifts are added to the Health Ministry Team and are often guided by a FCN or Health Ministry team leader. The Health Minister’s skills are assessed and used where most appropriate and helpful. Ministers are encouraged to go through the FCN course to better understand and direct the Health Ministry Team.

What is included in the FCN training?

There are 18 modules developed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (IPNRC) which are included in the Foundations course. Faculty trained by IPNRC are responsible for the trainings offered.

Is advanced training offered for FCNs?

Yes. There are two levels of continued education training available. The first is Supplemental Training Modules developed by IPNRC. These trainings may be administered singularly or in groups, depending on regional preference. Below is a list of Supplemental Modules administered by IPNRC trained faculty:

Supplemental FCN Modules

Wholistic Health of Children

Wholistic Health of Adolescents and Young Adults

Wholistic Health of Middle Adults

Wholistic Health of Older Adults

Providing Spiritual Support

Sustaining and Nurturing the FCN Ministry

Promoting Mental Wellness

Process of Theological Reflection in Faith Community Nursing

End of Life Transitions

Measuring Faith Community Ministry

Applying Leadership Skills in Faith Community Nursing Ministry

Conflict Resolution

Complementary Therapies in Faith Community Nursing: Overview

Complementary Therapies in Faith Community Nursing: Imagery

Complementary Therapies in Faith Community Nursing: Meditation

Tools and Techniques for Teaching

FCNs and Emergency Preparedness

Chronic Illness Management FCN

Practice in Rural Faith Communities

Social Justice Role of the FCN with Vulnerable Populations

Identifying Strengths of Congregations

Leadership Transitions in Congregations

Caring for Families

The next level of training offered is Faith Community Nurse Coordinator. This training is geared toward a licensed RN who will serve as a community leader and guide for FCNs and Health Ministers. They commonly bring the faith communities and community agencies together in health promotion and disease prevention activities and networking. Often FCN Coordinators are employed by Hospital Systems to direct and build the outreach and networking with Faith Community Health Ministry Programs. As with the Basic and Supplemental trainings, this curriculum was developed by IPNRC and faculty trained by IPNRC oversees the course. Below are the modules offered in this course.

FCN Coordinator Modules

Role of the FCN Coordinator / Manager

Accountability

Self-Care for the FCN Coordinator

Working with Different Religious Traditions

Working with Churches

Current Issues in Healthcare

Securing Philanthropic Grant Support

Process of Theological Reflection in FCN Ministry

Human Resource Management Budgeting

Orientation of the New FCN — helping them get started

Documentation

FCN Program Development

Creation of a Mission and Vision

Planning for the Ongoing Development of the FCN: Personally, Professionally, and Spiritually